Wisconsin Issues Forward Health Cards

The Department of Health Services announces that replacement ForwardHealth cards have been mailed to members living in the following counties: Brown, Calumet, Dane, Dodge, Door, Florence, Fond du Lac, Forest, Jefferson, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Rock, Shawano, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, and Winnebago. This is the third phase of replacement cards that will be sent to ForwardHealth members.

Each member has been assigned a new, randomly assigned member identification number that has been printed on the front of the cards.

"People can begin using their card right away and are encouraged to take it to all health care appointments and pharmacies," said Secretary Karen Timberlake. "Members should destroy their old Forward or ForwardHealth card upon receiving their replacement card in order to ensure that their privacy is maintained."

Advertisement

Recently, the Department announced ForwardHealth, a new brand for the state's health care and nutrition programs that will create efficiency for providers and improve the health of enrolled members. ForwardHealth furthers the Department's efforts in streamlining the administration of programs to save the state and taxpayers money. Part of the transition to ForwardHealth is sending new identification cards to members in phases over the next four to six weeks.

It's best to go to the doctor when you have a health concern, but you most likely would rather look up your symptoms online and go with whatever information you find. This can be dangerous or misleading. But if you're really set on not seeing the doctor, here are a few ways to get better unofficial medical advice online.

For some people, the Tasmanian devil is a cartoon character, but for others it could represent an opportunity to kill MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus) and other dangerous pathogens. New research indicates that the milk of these marsupials, who are found only on the island of Tasmania, contains special peptides that can destroy potentially deadly human germs.

A hug is understandable as a show of gratitude to someone who is taking care of you or a loved one. But did you know that it’s a potential health risk to hug your nurse? Here’s what a recent study found and why you should resist the urge to hug your nurse.

Gabriel Neal, MD, family medicine doctor and clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Medicine has some valuable information about what your bowel movement can reveal about your overall health.